This is part of a “Meet Our Incoming Students” series in which the College of Education will introduce some of the first-year, transfer and graduate students who will join us this fall.
Several of the incoming undergraduate students joining the NC State College of Education this fall will be part of the Goodnight Scholars Program’s Class of 2027.
The Goodnight Scholars Program — established in 2008 by NC State alumni Dr. Jim and Mrs. Ann Goodnight — provides North Carolina residents from low- and middle-income families interested in studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or STEM education with a scholarship valued at $19,500. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years for first-year students and up to two years for transfer students.
Meet the Goodnight Scholars who will join the NC State College of Education this fall:
(Editor’s Note: Elayna DiLello is also an incoming elementary education major who is a Goodnight Scholar. You can learn more about her and all incoming Goodnight Scholars here.)
Allison Glover
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I am an active member at my church and I also love hosting and participating in service projects. I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy swimming and hanging out by the ocean.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
I chose NC State University because as soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home. NC State’s College of Education has a great reputation, so I knew this would be a great place for me to grow. Since NC State is the number one producer of STEM educators in North Carolina, I knew that I would learn from the very best and be able to be equipped with the skills needed to spark a love for STEM in the elementary classroom and beyond!
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
I was inspired by my mom, who has been teaching elementary school for 27 years in the state of North Carolina. Her love for her students and dedication to their success is contagious! I realized that my desire in life is to be influential in providing students with the tools they need to thrive in the classroom, beyond the classroom and as they progress through life. I am even interested in becoming a principal one day to help incorporate my knowledge of STEM into more classrooms.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose elementary education with a focus on STEM because NC State’s reputation for using the STEM-based approach to prepare future teachers is amazing. STEM is such a big part of teaching now and will continue to be even more so in the future, so I want to be prepared and know exactly how to integrate it in the classroom. This will help inspire so many more students to have a passion for STEM.
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
To me, being a Goodnight Scholar means everything. I can already tell that I will embrace every single aspect of being a member of this community. I will forever be thankful for the investment of Dr. Jim and Mrs. Ann Goodnight. I share the same vision that the Goodnight Scholars value by believing in “inspiring lifelong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.” This concept is vital to an educator’s success. In addition, being a Goodnight Scholar means learning and exploring how to reach out and pay it forward throughout my life.
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
I am very excited about meeting new people. I am eager to explore the various clubs and organizations at NC State. I am also ready to learn everything I can about teaching and the development of children. I believe people are willing to help others become the best they can be, but someone just needs to initiate the experience. I am willing to be that person and I am also eager to join others in their efforts. Just as NC State values “Think and Do,” after thinking big, I plan to do big things with the ideas explored and with the new people I meet along the way.
Alexa Hadley
Raleigh, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: Some of my hobbies include dance, photography, film, reading, journaling and hanging out with my friends. I also enjoy working with kids and teaching them dance as a part-time job. I love anything outdoors and frequently enjoy spending time in nature.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
I chose NC State University because of its stellar reputation. From the beginning of the journey, from when I initially applied to when I was awarded the Goodnight Scholarship, I never heard any piece of truly negative information about NC State. While applying for colleges, I knew I wanted a positive, friendly and welcoming environment to spend the next bit of my academic career in.
NC State exemplified my beliefs in inclusivity, kindness and hard work. From there, I chose the College of Education because of the amazing teachers it produces. Many of my teachers from elementary school to high school were proud graduates of NC State. And, if I’m being completely honest, the majority of my teachers that came from NC State were my best, and favorite, teachers I had during my public school education. Because I have seen first-hand the wonderful teachers graduating from NC State, I knew I could follow in their footsteps by choosing NC State’s College of Education as well.
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
To answer plainly and simply, the kids! Specifically, the children I met over my six years being a dance assistant. Every little face I meet makes me have hope for the future. I loved teaching the children at my dance studio, but I knew I didn’t want to teach dance full time. I always valued my education, especially the foundation I gained from ages five to 11. The kids I meet make me want to be a teacher because I just enjoy being with them. I love seeing the look on their face when they figure something out for themselves. Things like their smiles, their ideas and their constant chitter chatter with friends all make me happy. These reasons and many, many more, are the reasons I chose education.
Why did you choose your major?
I have been lucky enough to have been working with children since I was very young. My dance studio, CC&Co. Dance Complex, which is based in Raleigh, has a leadership assistant program that allows company students to assist other company classes on top of recreational classes. Year after year, I would meet incredible kids from all different backgrounds and all with different personalities. I would even go so far as to say I enjoyed talking with these five and six year olds more than I would most of my own peers. And while I did have this job for almost six years, it was not until the end of junior year that I realized I wanted to be a teacher. I chose my major because I believe people need to give more credit to the young children in elementary school. Most people will see a child and assume that just because this child is younger than them, they are clueless about the world around them. I beg to differ. Children of today have bright ideas that could solve the problems of the future. I chose my major because I want to be able to safely guide their growth as they continue to develop and understand.
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
It has been such an honor to now be able to call myself a Goodnight Scholar. I grew up in a single-parent household, so I knew that paying my way through college was going to be a struggle. Being a Goodnight Scholar has already meant the world to me and the school year hasn’t even started yet! The sigh of relief I felt when I got the call — it felt like the weight of the world had fallen off my shoulders. I was excited not only to receive aid, but to explore the numerous study abroad opportunities, professional development experiences and other people that were in a similar position to me. To be a Goodnight Scholar, it’s like the equivalent of having a built-in family. I can’t wait for the hundreds of memories I will make through this tremendous honor.
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
I am most looking forward to the people I get to meet! I hope to make friends that will last a lifetime and create relationships that will further benefit my academic career. I am also looking forward to figuring out what my life means being independent. My culture is very family oriented, and now, because I will not be around my family every day, I get to see what family I create for myself at NC State.
Elise Hines
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: Competitive dancing, arts and crafts, volunteering, traveling, outdoor activities and spending quality time with family and friends.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
Ever since my freshman year of high school, I knew I wanted to go to NC State University! I had friends and trusted adults describe their time being a member of the Pack and how much they enjoyed it. Fast forward to my senior year, and I am applying to colleges. NC State was the first college I had applied to. I had heard about programs such as Transformational Scholars and how it could help me grow as a future educator. After being accepted into both NC State and the Transformational Scholars — and meeting with [Transformational Scholars Program Director] Trisha Mackey — I knew NC State’s College of Education was for me!
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
Education has been a part of my life ever since I was in the second grade playing teacher in my bedroom with my family. I remember having a whiteboard on my wall and feeling fancy because I had Expo markers, just like my teachers had in their classrooms. At the time, I did not know that this would turn into a future career for me but little Elise would be so proud to know that it did.
My interest in being an educator truly began when I was in the fourth grade. I was an introverted student who was struggling and I was too timid to ask for help. Mrs. Lewis, my teacher at the time, helped me speak up for myself. More importantly, she helped me to grow confident in myself and my abilities, something I have always struggled with. She stressed the importance of not defining myself by what grade I got on a standardized test, which is something I needed to hear growing up. She is my “why.” I look forward to having the same impact on my future students as Mrs. Lewis had on me!
Why did you choose your major?
I am motivated to be the teacher and role model I always needed growing up. My intended major is elementary education as this will allow me to gain the skills needed to be an effective educator. Choosing my major was not a difficult task, as I had known since elementary school that I wanted to be an educator. My experiences as a dance teacher assistant and as an internship teacher in Edgecombe County have further fueled my passion for working with students!
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
To me, being a Goodnight Scholar means that I am surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who share the same passion for STEM that I do! Most importantly, Goodnight Scholars are a diverse group of students who are working to pay it forward in their communities. That is why the community aspect of this program is so important to me. As a first-year college student, this is something that I value and is why I am so honored to participate in the Goodnight Scholars community.
I have always been one who preaches the importance of finding your people. Sometimes it takes a while to find those who celebrate you even when you are not around, but when you do, you will know. I say this because the Goodnight Scholars community is like finding your people.
I am beyond thankful to have been chosen as an NC State Goodnight Scholar. Having the opportunity to grow as a student and as a future teacher while being surrounded by others who share similar values and interests is something that I do not take for granted. I look forward to joining this amazing program as I grow as a student, person and future STEM educator at North Carolina State University!
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
Aside from being a part of the Wolfpack, I am most looking forward to being in Raleigh. I cannot wait to explore Hillsborough Street and all of the fun events NC State offers for its students!
Abby-Lane Osborne
Gastonia, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I really enjoy competitive clogging, going to the movie theater with friends, working out and generally spending time with the people I care about!
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
I have to confess, I grew up in a Tar Heel family, so NC State was never on my radar. However, when exploring my college options, I realized NC State has an education program that is not worth passing up! As the #1 producer of STEM educators in North Carolina, NC State will prepare me to be the educator I want to be more than any other program would. Not only that, NC State has such a great community that I’m so eager to start getting involved in. I can’t wait to be a part of the Pack!!
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
I chose to become an educator because I want to have a positive influence on the next generation. A big part of being an educator to me is having the ability to support your students, connect with your students, adapt to your students and, finally, excite your students to learn. The teachers who did that had a very big impact on my life and I want to pass that impact along in my future career. I don’t just want students to learn; I want them to be excited to learn.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose high school science because I feel it is one of the most exciting subjects to teach. Science is always changing and there is always something new to discover and learn. Some of my favorite memories from my high school experience are in the science lab performing dissections on organs and viewing different skin cells through a microscope. I want to make science something where the students are exploring, discovering and learning — not just reciting facts from a slide show.
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
To be a Goodnight Scholar means I have the potential to be a leader and have a positive impact in my community. Being a part of this program and growing with the other members in my cohort is an invaluable experience that I am so excited and ready for!
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
I’m most looking forward to getting to know everyone in the communities I plan to be involved in such as Goodnight Scholars, Teaching Fellows, Students Advocating for Youth (SAY) Village, Pack Clogging and hopefully more! Furthermore, I’m ready to get outside of my comfort zone away from home to grow and learn about myself over the years. I can’t wait to meet everyone and make lifelong relationships!
Abbi Roof
Forest City, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I love playing volleyball, hanging out with friends and volunteering to help others.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
NC State has been my dream school for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved the campus and I knew it was where I belonged. The NC State College of Education has produced some amazing educators and I know that it will help shape me into an amazing educator myself.
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
My mom is a teacher and I’ve grown up knowing some of the best teachers in the world. Every one of them has made an impact on my life that I’ll cherish forever. I grew up helping my mom and her coworkers and I grew to love it. I am so excited to help change lives the same way that mine has been changed by all the amazing educators that I’ve been around for years. I only hope to make an impact as big as theirs. I have been volunteering with children for almost five years and I love helping teach the kids and helping them grasp content that they may have been missing before, as well as showing them that learning can be fun and enjoyable. Like my eighth grade science teacher said, “We want to blow your minds, so the love of learning will sparkle in you.”
Why did you choose your major?
I chose science education because I’ve always been a big science and math girl. I excel in science classes because I find them interesting. Learning about how the world around me works and why it works that way amazes me. I hope to go into STEM education one day, because I think STEM is growing and I want to teach kids about that and show them what opportunities are arising from it. I want to teach middle grades because I feel like this is such a tough time in kids’ lives. They’re growing and changing in so many different ways. I want to help spark an interest in them that will be there for the rest of their lives.
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
Being a Goodnight Scholar means that I am someone who is dedicated to STEM and raising awareness for it. It also means that I am a strong advocate and supporter of STEM-related activities and other topics. I also think that it means I’m someone who loves to help and take part in community involvement.
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
I’m most looking forward to meeting new people who share similar interests as myself and making new opportunities for myself and others around me.
Coley Welch
Morganton, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy competitive swimming, gardening, beekeeping and spending time with my family. I also find great reward in volunteering and helping others.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
I chose NC State because it really felt like home when I toured. The College of Education was so welcoming and made me feel confident that I would be successful here with their help. Coming from a small town, these things were important in making me feel comfortable and welcome. Even though NC State is large, the College of Education doesn’t let you fall through the cracks and makes sure you find a place among the Pack!
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
I chose education when I was a junior in high school. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do at the time and was kind of just wandering from hobby to hobby with no real direction. Then I volunteered at an elementary science review day in my county and I knew at that point I had a passion for kids and a love for science. I could really see the impact that educators can make when they have an energy for their students and a passion for what they are teaching. A great teacher can have a lasting impact on students and I cannot wait to be a part of that community.
Why did you choose your major?
I have a real passion for science and love to see the excitement it brings to a classroom. Getting kids engaged and actively learning is something that can break the norms of teaching and get them excited about science and the lesson at hand. This major will give me the opportunity to be a building block in a student’s passion for learning and hopefully a passion for science.
What does it mean for you to be a Goodnight Scholar?
Being a Goodnight Scholar is, first and foremost, a huge honor. The Goodnight staff has already been extremely helpful to all of us. The scholarship will provide the resources that will guide my successes. The scholarship will provide opportunities for me to have an impact on our community. Lastly, the scholarship will give my mind freedom from the worry of financial burden and allow me to focus on my studies.
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
I am most looking forward to meeting the diverse groups of people at NC State. I want to find people with different views, backgrounds and lifestyles from my own. Spending time with diverse people will challenge me to put myself in different people’s shoes and will mold me into a better educator in the future.
Elayna DiLello is also an incoming elementary education major who is a Goodnight Scholar. You can learn more about her and all incoming Goodnight Scholars here.
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